Chapter 319

"It is my wish, I merely dare not ask." Wang Ping smiled and clasped his hands, "To journey with three fellow Daoists is my honor. Only, the path ahead is perilous and unknown; I hope we may be frank with each other and work together in unity."

"That is natural." Cangxuan nodded, his expression solemn, "Since we join forces, we must naturally advance and retreat together. In this realm, cultivators of the Spirit Realm share the same origin and should present a united front to the outside."

The preliminary alliance, achieved temporarily within this narrow, concealed metallic space, saw the four each take medicinal pills, regulate their breath to recover, and simultaneously exchange in low voices their experiences upon entering the Qingming Heavenly Realm, their understanding of this realm's environment, and some observations on external domain powers.

Wang Ping also learned that the temporary hiding place discovered by Cangxuan and the others was actually the hub of a small, ruined formation they had been exploring; the residual formation power there might perhaps provide some information about this realm's spatial structure, and it was also their planned next point of investigation.

After about two hours, the four had largely recovered their states. Outside remained deathly silent, but everyone knew that the longer they lingered, the greater the chance of being discovered by a more powerful existence.

"It is time to set out." Cangxuan rose to his feet, starlight flowing in his eyes, "Let us go to that formation hub; perhaps we can find some clues there. Fellow Daoist Wang Ping, can your concealment formation accompany us?"

"It can be maintained over a small area, but consumption is considerable, requiring rotation to sustain." Wang Ping replied.

"Very good. We will take turns maintaining the formation's concealment, making all haste to our destination."

The four silently departed their hiding place, under the cover of Wang Ping's formation, like four phantoms, once again sinking into the depths of the ancient battlefield composed of blood and bones. This time, they were no longer lone fighters.

What they did not know was that, atop the highest bone hill in the distance, a gaze that seemed both present and absent, as if merged with the killing intent itself, silently watched the direction of their departure. In the depths of that gaze, a flicker of amusement and contemplation passed.

"The little fellows of the Spirit Realm……have finally gathered together, have they not? The aura of chaos……is rather interesting."

The whisper dissipated with the wind into the killing intent, and that gaze also silently vanished.

The mist of the Immortal Fall battlefield seemed to have grown thicker.

Within the narrow metallic space, the four had each finished regulating their breath, yet the atmosphere was not relaxed.

Although Wang Ping's timely assistance was a favor owed, the deep-rooted competition and vigilance between the top heavenly pride of the Spirit Realm could not be easily dispelled.

Especially between Cangxuan and Wang Ping, there remained the unpleasant history of contention over the Profound Origin Secret Realm.

At this moment, temporarily setting aside hostility was more based on their shared understanding of the terrifying environment of this Immortal Fall battlefield—alone here, the probability of survival was indeed minuscule.

Cangxuan was the first to break the silence. He sat cross-legged, his star-like eyes sweeping over the group before finally settling on Wang Ping, his tone平淡 yet carrying a barely detectable probe:

"Fellow Daoist Wang Ping, after parting for years, I did not expect to meet again in this realm. The divine speed of your cultivation progress is astonishing."

He shifted his tone slightly, "Just now, observing your divine abilities, it seems you have profound comprehension of the Way of Chaos; I wonder if you gained something from those relics?"

This question was direct, yet it also struck the key point. Wang Ping knew that to achieve effective cooperation with these heavenly pride in such an environment, necessary sincerity and display of strength were indispensable, though core secrets naturally needed to be retained.

He pondered briefly, then spoke candidly, "Fellow Daoist Cangxuan has discerning eyes. I, Wang, did indeed obtain some opportunity in those relics, gaining a superficial understanding of the Way of Chaos. As for the three fellow Daoists, to simultaneously arrive in this realm and penetrate deep into this ancient battlefield, it must not be mere coincidence."

Yuliuli lightly stroked her gauze robe, her voice clear and resonant as a spring: "Fellow Daoist Wang Ping's supposition is not wrong. I, of the Fallen Immortal clan, the Heaven Azure clan, and the Void clan, as well as several other major top powers of the Spirit Realm, each possess information regarding the ancient transmission formation leading to this realm's 'Qingming Heavenly Realm'."

She paused, "However, that transmission formation is damaged and broken, its activation cost enormous, and it is extremely unstable. It can barely be opened once every hundred years, each time transmitting at most two to three people, and requires consuming vast quantities of rare resources and at least three Spirit Transformation cultivators joining hands to stabilize the passage."

The form of Nether Shadow fluctuated slightly in the shadows, its drifting voice adding: "Cost. Each clan competes fiercely internally for the quotas to enter this realm."

"Those who finally gain entry are all the current core heavenly pride of their respective clans, bearing the responsibility of exploration, treasure-seeking, and even finding a stable path back." He looked toward Wang Ping, "Fellow Daoist seems……not to have entered through such fixed transmission formations?"

Wang Ping understood clearly in his heart that his entry through the silver stone gate, a method akin to 'smuggling', was indeed different from their regular channels. He nodded in acknowledgment:

"I, Wang, did indeed enter by being swept in through a fortuitously activated ruined formation; the process was perilous, far incomparable to a prepared transmission."

He omitted the details of the stone gate, turning instead to ask, "In that case, is the number of Spirit Realm cultivators entering this realm fixed?"

Cangxuan interjected, his expression slightly solemn: "According to my knowledge, the number of Spirit Realm cultivators who have successfully passed through the fixed transmission formations of the various powers to enter the Qingming Heavenly Realm does not exceed twenty people. Besides us three, it is known that the 'War Punishment' of the Heaven Punishment clan, the 'Ming Night' of the Nether Darkness clan, and the Azure Dragon and Heavenly Phoenix royal clans of the Monster clan each have one top inheritor who entered. The remaining few are either heavenly pride of other ancient clans, or inheritors of certain reclusive great sects."

"Twenty……" Wang Ping's brows furrowed slightly. This number, whether said to be many or few, is neither clearly many nor few. In such a vast and dangerous immortal realm fragment, scattered about they would almost be like mud oxen entering the sea, but if concentrated in certain key areas, competition would become extremely fierce. Not to mention the external domain powers eyeing it hungrily.

"Have those War Punishment and Ming Night encountered each other?" Wang Ping asked. These two are similarly ranked extremely high on the Hidden Dragon List, and their clans have complex relations with the human race, especially the Nether Darkness clan, which can be called mortal enemies.

"In the initial entry, we once sensed War Punishment's aura from afar in the outer regions of the fragments, but never met face to face." Cangxuan shook his head, "As for Ming Night……the Nether Darkness clan acts with mysterious secrecy and treachery; entering this realm, they are like fish in water. We once found traces of Nether Darkness clan spell remnants in a ruin, not long ago, but they seem to have deliberately concealed their tracks, making them difficult to trace."

Yuliuli supplemented: "As for those two of the Monster clan, it is said they entered and then proceeded straight toward a certain direction in the depths of the fragments, seemingly having some reliance. The Heaven Punishment clan's War Punishment, on the other hand, seems to be undergoing some kind of 'trial', wandering alone in perilous places, his aura growing ever sharper."

Wang Ping silently recorded this information. It appears that even within the Spirit Realm, factions are numerous; in this foreign realm, fellow cultivators of the same realm are not necessarily friends, especially with the Nether Darkness clan—encountering them would likely mean a fight to the death.

"Do the three fellow Daoists have a rather deep understanding of this realm?" Wang Ping steered the conversation toward a more crucial point, "Earlier you mentioned the 'Mountain of Creation' and the 'Sea of Laws', etc.; I, Wang Ping, as a newcomer, am still unaware of them."

Cangxuan, Yuliuli, and Nether Shadow exchanged a glance. Cangxuan raised his hand, spiritual power tracing in the void before him, a somewhat blurred but roughly clear outline of a light diagram gradually appearing. The light diagram roughly presented an irregular circle, divided into five regions of vastly different colors and auras.

"This is a rough division map of the Qingming Heavenly Realm pieced together from our scattered information, ancient records, and months of exploration."

"Cangxuan pointed to the central region of the light diagram, the broadest area, presenting intertwined dark red and black,"This place is where we are located, the 'Immortal Fall Ancient Battlefield'."

"One of the main battlefields of the ancient great war, it is filled with killing intent, resentment, and shattered laws; immortal fiends and demon souls roam, danger is everywhere, yet it also buries countless immortal and demon remains, broken divine weapons, and possibly even secret treasures not completely destroyed."

His finger moved toward the northern part of the battlefield, a region shrouded in hazy green light:"This is the 'Mountain of Creation'."

"According to legend, it was once an important spiritual garden and alchemy blessed land of the Immortal Realm. Although shattered, the residual immortal spiritual energy is the gentlest and purest, possibly nurturing worldly immortal medicines, spiritual roots, or even retaining intact alchemy chambers and medicine fields. Yet this place must have powerful guardian beings or restrictions."

The eastern part of the light diagram was a region endlessly flowing with seven-colored rosy light, as if composed of countless light and runes:"The 'Sea of Laws'."

"This region was formed during the ancient great war when countless great道 laws collided and shattered, creating this extraordinary zone. Inside are filled with relatively 'complete' or 'regular' fragments of shattered laws; for cultivators seeking to comprehend the corresponding great道, it is a supreme treasure land."

"But it is also extremely dangerous; once one falls into the law turbulence or touches an unstable law node, they will perish in body and dao in an instant."

The southern part was then a deep, seemingly light-devouring darkness, its edges blurred:"The 'Forbidden Abyss Ruins'. Information is scarcest, and it is also the most mysterious."

"It is suspected to be the place where a terrifying existence from that era fell or was sealed, or perhaps a spatial wound caused by the great war that cannot be healed. All who attempt to approach and explore it have gone and never returned; even divine sense probing in is like a mud ox entering the sea. It is listed as an absolute forbidden zone."

Finally, Cangxuan's finger fell to the center of the light diagram, where the Immortal Fall battlefield, Mountain of Creation, and Sea of Laws regions meet—a small point enveloped in a faint golden glow:"Here is the suspected location of the 'Core Immortal Palace'."

"According to the most ancient fragmented records, as a fragment of the Immortal Realm, the Qingming Heavenly Realm may retain a relatively intact ancient Immortal Palace at its core, containing this fragment's greatest secret and opportunity. It is also the ultimate goal of all powers."

Wang Ping gazed at this light diagram, his heart surging with waves. This Qingming Heavenly Realm is indeed no small matter, its divisions clear, each with its own characteristics and perils.

"Is the inheritance of the Chaos Immortal Palace I obtained located in that 'Core Immortal Palace' region? Or is there perhaps another hidden place?"

"From where did the three fellow Daoists obtain this information? Is it reliable?" Wang Ping asked.

"Part of it comes from scattered records in various clans' ancient inheritances concerning the 'Immortal Realm Fragments' and 'Lost Heavenly Domains'." Yuliuli explained.

"Part is obtained after entering this realm, from some broken steles, jade slips, and even……from fighting, trading with, or eavesdropping on explorers from other worlds."

Her tone was calm, yet she stated the cruel reality of this realm——information, too, is a resource that must be contended for with strength and means.

"Explorers from other worlds……" Wang Ping's expression turned grave, "Have the three fellow Daoists exchanged blows with them?"

"More than once." Nether Shadow's voice carried a chill, "The Yin-Yang mages and Temple warriors of the 'Dark Star Realm', though individual combat strength may be slightly inferior, excel in combined attacks and esoteric arts, making them troublesome. The totem warriors of the 'Ancient Barbaric Continent', with their mighty physiques, fearless of death, are extremely strong in close combat.

There are also likely soul-bodied beings from the 'Nether Ghost Realm', formless and substanceless, specializing in attacking the soul, impossible to defend against. They appear in groups of three or five, or teams of ten or more, clearly backed by organized support, with clear objectives."

Cangxuan supplemented, his tone heavy: "What is more troublesome is that we suspect a Divine Transformation-level expert from the external domains has already entered this realm.

Several months ago, at the edge of the Sea of Laws, we once felt a suffocating, obscure pressure flash by and vanish, absolutely not something a Nascent Soul cultivator could possess.

The collision of several God Transformation fluctuations deep in the Immortal Fall Battlefield is probably also related to this.

God Transformation external enemy! Wang Ping's heart sank. The chasm between Nascent Soul and God Transformation is all too clear to him. If there truly is a God Transformation external enemy active in this realm, for us Nascent Soul heaven's pride, it is undoubtedly a sword hanging over our heads.

"In that case, this realm has become the eye of the storm." Wang Ping said slowly, "The Spirit Realm, the Dark Star Realm, the Barbarian Ancient Continent, the Nether Ghost Realm……multiple forces have gathered, contending for the opportunities left behind by the Immortal Realm fragments. And we……" He looked at the three of Cangxuan, "The Spirit Realm side has the fewest numbers, and internal unity is not guaranteed."

"Therefore, a temporary alliance is imperative." Cangxuan's eyes burned, "Personal grudges, clan discrepancies, in the face of survival and contention in this realm, can all be temporarily set aside.

At least, when facing external realm forces, we are all of the Spirit Realm lineage. Fellow Daoist Wang Ping, what do you think?"

Yuliuli and Youying also looked at Wang Ping, awaiting his answer. Wang Ping's displayed strength, especially his restraining ability against demon souls, is of great value to the team.

Wang Ping did not answer immediately, but instead asked back: "Fellow Daoists, what are your plans next? To go to that core Immortal Palace?"

"The core Immortal Palace is illusory and intangible, and will inevitably be the focus of contention from all sides. With our current strength, rashly going there would likely make us the target of everyone's arrows.

" Cangxuan shook his head, "Our original plan was to first go to a marked point at the junction of 'Creation Spirit Mountain' and the 'Sea of Laws'.

There is believed to be a relatively stable ancient array node there, perhaps from which we could obtain more information about this realm's spatial structure, and even find clues to a relatively safe return path to the Spirit Realm.

At the same time, there may also exist undrained medicine fields or law comprehension grounds nearby."

This plan is pragmatic and cautious, deeply in line with Wang Ping's intention. He likewise needs more information about this realm's space to prepare for the return journey after the Great Exalted One awakens.

And the possible immortal medicines on Creation Spirit Mountain, the law comprehension opportunities in the Sea of Laws, are also greatly beneficial for his cultivation of the Chaos Immortal Scripture and condensation of Chaos Immortal Essence.

"Wang Mou is willing to travel with the three Fellow Daoists." Wang Ping finally nodded, his expression solemn,

"But since we are allies, some words need to be said upfront: during our journey together, information sharing, facing enemies together, obtained resources distributed according to need or as per opportunity, no secret harming.

If we encounter irresistible danger, each has the right to preserve life and depart, no forcing to live or die together.

After leaving this realm, or when the goal is achieved, the alliance automatically dissolves, past grudges and enmities to be discussed then. Do the three Fellow Daoists agree?"

These words were spoken clearly and directly, establishing the basis of cooperation while also drawing boundaries, leaving room. The three of Cangxuan heard this, their expressions varied, but ultimately they all slowly nodded.

"Okay." Cangxuan replied for the three, "Then let it be so. The urgent task is to leave this Immortal Fall Battlefield and head to the junction in the northeast direction.

Fellow Daoist Wang Ping's concealment domain is excellent, so we will trouble Fellow Daoist to lead the way. I and Fellow Daoist Youying will handle flank vigilance, Fellow Daoist Yuliuli will be in the center coordinating, sensing the whole situation."

Division of labor clear, each performing their duty. The four again confirmed the map direction and route, with Wang Ping activating the Small Five Elements Concealment Formation Disk (in conjunction with his domain), first drilling out from the metal cover.

Outside it was still blood-colored mist permeating, killing winds howling. But with a clear goal and temporary companions, that loneliness and bewilderment of walking alone in a desperate land seemed to have been diluted somewhat. Four figures like ghosts blending into the background quietly set off toward the northeast.

What they did not know was that, about half an hour after they left, several figures shrouded in black robes, with sinister and eerie chilling auras, appeared near the metal waste hill.

The leader bent down, picked up a small fragment almost impossible to notice, carrying a faint trace of chaotic aura, placed it under his nose to sniff lightly, and a hoarse whisper came from under the black robe:

"The taste of chaos……and the aura of those few Spirit Realm brats……they have actually come together. Interesting……follow up, the Master will be interested in this Spirit Realm cultivator who bears chaotic power."

The black shadows silently dispersed, following the faintest traces, tailing them.

The blood-colored mist of the Immortal Fall Battlefield seemed to have become even thicker. And the dark currents from different worlds were quietly surging beneath the bones and ruins of this ancient battlefield.

Under the double cover of the Chaos Domain and the Concealment Formation, Wang Ping, Cangxuan, Yuliuli, and Youying were like four shadows weaving through the blood-colored thick mist, cautiously advancing toward the northeast.

The terrain deep in the Immortal Fall Battlefield became increasingly rugged and complex, huge bones and broken walls piled up like mountains, from the unfathomable cracks in the depths occasionally surged forth chilling killing winds, shattered law fragments like invisible blades floated in the air, a slight carelessness could trigger terrible chain reactions.

After advancing for about two hours, the four found a relatively concealed spot, formed by the angle of a half-collapsed giant tower, to make a temporary rest.

The tower's material was neither metal nor stone, presenting a dark silver color, its surface covered with scorched black burn marks and deep scratches, even though already dilapidated, it still emitted a faint pressure, obviously it was no ordinary building back then.

Taking this opportunity, Cangxuan once again unfolded that simple map sketched with spiritual power.

This time, his expression was even more solemn than before, his fingertips spiritual power flowing, around the gold dot marked as "Core Immortal Palace" at the very center of the map, he traced out a more complex outline, formed by countless tiny light points connected together, a blurry array diagram contour.

"Regarding the 'Core Immortal Palace', what we said before was merely the most rudimentary information."

Cangxuan's voice was pressed very low, even within the concealment domain, it carried a kind of natural caution, "Truly valuable is the scattered secrets painstakingly deciphered from ancient remnants by various clans at great cost, and……after entering this realm, obtained confirmations from certain special channels."

Wang Ping's gaze fell upon that complex array contour, his heart stirred slightly: "I wish to hear the details."

Yuliuli took over the conversation, the seven-colored halo on her gauze clothing flowed faintly, as if recalling and organizing:

"That core region is not an ordinary Immortal Palace remnant. Based on piecing together fragmented information, it is highly likely to be an important touring palace or inheritance hall of an 'Immortal King of Chaos' who once governed the Great Dao of Chaos in ancient times.

The Immortal Palace itself is guarded by a remnant array named the 'Zhou Tian Star Substance Great Array'."

"Zhou Tian Star Substance Great Array?" Wang Ping recalled the vast starry and chaotic fusion aura he felt in the Chaos Immortal Palace, his mind became clear, but his face showed no change.

"Correct." Youying's ethereal voice sounded, "This array, when complete, is said to be able to draw upon stellar power from the Zhou Tian, evolve endless time and space, forming its own world, not something an Immortal King can break.

Even though now long since ruined to oblivion, its power reduced to a ten-thousandth, and connected to the foundation of these shattered Immortal Realm fragments, but its residual guarding power is also absolutely not something we Nascent Soul cultivators, or even ordinary God Transformation cultivators, can forcefully break into."

Cangxuan nodded, his fingertips marking several key points on the array contour:

"Forcibly breaking the array, one is nearly impossible, two is extremely likely to trigger the array's final backlash, possibly even causing this already fragile Immortal Realm fragment to collapse further.

The only way through, is to find and gather the four corresponding 'Immortal Cards', also known as the 'keys' to open specific gates of the great array."

"Four keys?" Wang Ping asked, a hidden guess forming in his heart.

"Exactly." Cangxuan said in a deep voice, "These four keys correspond respectively to the four extreme states of Chaos Evolution, or rather, the four foundational forces for building a stable 'world'.

They were respectively sealed and placed by the Immortal King who set up this great array, in the four dangerous lands of the Qingming Heaven Domain, both as a test for latercomers and to maintain a certain dangerous balance within the fragments."

He pointed one by one to the four regions on the map:

"Creation Spirit Mountain, represents 'vitality' and 'creation'. Its core nurtured 'Vitality Key', symbolizes the source power of all things sprouting and spirit growing.

The key may take the form of some innate spiritual root, immortal medicine that never dies, or a special crystal containing vast vitality.

Obtaining this key requires contending with possible powerful guardian spirit beasts, lingering medicine spirits, and even some terrifying prohibitions that reverse life and death, devour vitality, within the Spirit Mountain."

"Sea of Laws, represents 'order' and 'evolution'. Its depths' floating 'Law Key', is the core fragment of countless shattered laws, after long ages, influenced by chaotic aura, naturally condensed.

It is not a physical entity, possibly a segment of incomprehensible law runes, a specific law vibration frequency, or some law-created object.

To find it, one must precisely sense and capture its trajectory in the endless chaotic and dangerous law turbulence, while enduring backlash from law assimilation or conflict."

"Forbidden Abyss Ruins, represents 'destruction' and 'termination'. The 'Destruction Key' buried there is the condensation of ultimate destructive power and the breath of the Return to Ruins.

Its form is most unpredictable, possibly a fragment of an ominous evil weapon, a pool of black water capable of annihilating all things, or even an eternal scar.

Merely approaching the Abyss Ruins itself is extremely dangerous, let alone extracting the key from within, requiring one to face the deepest darkness, fear, and complete erosion by nothingness."

Lastly, Cangxuan's finger heavily fell upon the dark red region where they currently are:

"And the Immortal Fall Ancient Battlefield, represents 'balance' and 'reincarnation'. This place is the final sediment after the fierce collision of life and death, immortals and demons, creation and destruction.

The Balance Key is hidden deep within the battlefield, at a point where the forces of life and death, killing intent, and immortal spirit energy, chaos and order, reach a delicate equilibrium.

It may be an artifact left behind by a powerful being who mastered both the paths of life and death and immortal and demonic arts, or a special magical device capable of harmonizing conflicting forces, or even the core of a naturally formed field of balance.